Home care makes for challenging option

BY JON MEYER

The choice between nursing care and taking on the personal care of an elderly relative can be daunting — and it’s sometimes one that relatives make hastily when examining their options.

Saint Alphonsus Home Health Services social worker Gloria Keathley said many children promise they’ll never put their parents in a nursing home, choosing instead to take caregiving responsibilities into their own hands. She salutes people who choose this route, but says there are a lot of challenges that go with taking an older person into your home.

“I think some people do their research and others just sort of jump in,” Keathley said. “Sometimes the crisis might be that mom or dad needs help now. So they do it, take them home with them, and it’s then that they realize that they’ve bitten off more than they can chew.”

Keathley helps coordinate outside services for people who may need assistance in their homes, or with patients in their homes.

As a community resource educator she said there is a lot of help people can get from organizations in the community. Whether it be in the vast planning aspect, the financial requirements of the task or the personal toll that being a caregiver is bound to take on families and friendships, there are people and resources to help.

Planning for caregiving

A big step is planning and assessing time, space and abilities.

“The time investment varies with what your loved one might need. If it is a dementia patient we’re looking at a very serious time (investment).”

In addition to the time, Bonnie Lawrence of the Family Caregiver Alliance, said there are space requirements when someone moves anywhere, especially when they may be bringing hospital equipment and special needs along as well.

“The first challenge is physical. Simply, do you have enough space in the house? You may need a new room or have people move around,” Lawrence, a community manager for the alliance said. “(The person receiving care) needs to be downstairs. They need access to the bathroom. People in wheelchairs might need doors widened, and there can’t be area rugs for them to trip on. There’s a lot to think about.”

Financing home care

After the planning has started, and the challenges and commitment set in, many people realize the financial requirements of the undertaking. It’s also around this time that many people realize they can’t do it alone.

However, outside help costs money, too — money that may be a little tighter once people take on part-time caregiver responsibilities.

“There may be major costs if you need to go to part time or quit your job. It could really affect your income and your retirement,” Lawrence said. “They should take a real good look at this.”

Little costs pile up quickly. Medications, supplies, special food, incontinence supplies — plus all the things that aren’t covered under Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance— can make up a large chunk of cost, Lawrence said.

Help is available to make the transition easier. If people do their homework to look into the assistance they can receive as caregivers, experts agree that it can be a viable alternative to assisted living or nursing home care.

“It’s most important to realize that there are resources out there to help,” Keathley said. “You’re not alone.”

Family embraces ex-cons for holidays

Jon Meyermailto:Meyerjmeyer@idahopress.com

NAMPA — Since moving to Nampa four and a half years ago with their children, Tim and Karen Abbott said they’ve seen crime, even in their family-oriented neighborhood. But none of it has come from the ex-convict transition home two blocks away.

A car across the street was broken into with a baseball bat over drug money some time back. Then their children were sent home because of a possible hostage situation in a nearby home.

“And people are worried about this?” Karen said, questioning the call by other neighbors to oust the nearby New Hope Community Health facility.

In fact, neither Tim nor Karen said they know why people have been so adversarial about the prospect of the faith-based company setting up rehabilitation homes for the released convicts — even in their neighborhood.The couple entertained two residents of the Stonehedge Drive Staffed, Safe and Sober home on Thanksgiving and recently dropped off a plate of “Christmas goodies” at the home’s door.

“They’re good people,” Tim said.

Former Stonehedge house manager Adam Garcia has helped New Hope open five such sites, but he was still surprised by the efforts of the Abbotts to reach out to the men — especially with the outcry coming from other neighbors.

“It’s just a blessing,” Garcia said.

Initial apprehensions

The Abbotts weren’t always open to the idea of their new neighbors. In fact, when they were first told that sex offenders and murderers were being moved into the Maplewood subdivision, Karen said they were “very concerned” — until they found out it wasn’t true.

The couple went and introduced themselves to the men at the house.“They told us about their organization and gave us a copy of the house rules,” Karen said.

“We wanted to meet them before we made a judgment of whether or not they should live near us,” Tim continued.

New Hope Community Health officials say the firm does not accept applications from sex offenders or people with a history of violent crime.

Once the Abbotts knew of the intentions of New Hope, they didn’t fear for their safety or that of their five children — all under 16 years of age. In fact, most of their concerns are for the men in the halfway house, who’ve been “thrust into a situation they weren’t aware of,” put between angry neighbors and city government searching for a compromise, Tim said.

“I think it was a mistake for New Hope to put that house there without telling (the neighbors). Now anything that happens in the neighborhood, they’re going to get blamed,” Karen said.

“The finger’s already pointed, just waiting for something bad to happen,” Tim added.

A community divided

Just weeks after public meetings sought to shut down two transition homes in Canyon County, Adam Garcia and the residents of the new house he manages in Boise, on Aster Place, went caroling around the neighborhood. And despite many neighbors’ firm stance against the facilities in family-oriented areas, they were well received by nearly everyone.

“They were very responsive. They waved, came out and talked to us, it was a very warm night,” Garcia said. “Out of the more than 30 houses we went to, only maybe two didn’t open the door.”

Though Garcia said the changing response was refreshing, he thought the negative feelings also serve a purpose in helping the men see the scope of what their crimes do to people.

Garcia is currently on parole for grand theft. He came to New Hope when his diagnosis with Hepatitis B and liver cancer left him unemployed and moving toward homelessness.“(The men) see the impact of their crimes and people’s reaction ... Our crimes don’t only affect us, but the neighbors and the community,” he said.

New Hope administrator Larry Durkin, who also has a history of conviction, said he too was relieved to see residents warming up to the men. New Hope has opened 13 homes in the Treasure Valley since May and has plans for another in Caldwell. Only recently have the homes seen strong opposition, he has said.

“They’ve been great. People brought out cookies and stuff while they were caroling,” Durkin said. “It’s been a friendly relationship, a cordial relationship.”

The Abbott family plans to continue to spread the goodwill. Recently Karen went over to help the New Hope residents fix their wireless connection, just like a typical neighbor. Now she’d be happy if the other neighbors would just “calm down” about the issue.

“These people are going to be in the community anyway. Why should we be worried that they’re in a structured environment where we know where they are and that they’re getting help?”

Difficult decision: Losing independence

By Jon Meyer

Pam White faced a new and difficult decision when her mother could no longer care for herself.

Donna Scaggs, a 76-year-old former school teacher, doesn’t remember the day she was admitted to Nampa’s Trinity Mission Health and Rehab of Holly, debilitated by complications from multiple sclerosis and lung disease.

But White and her daughter, Autumn Short, recall the fateful day 14 months ago like it was yesterday.

“I think when I made the decision to move her in, she was very sick and I took her to the doctor, and the thing that was really different was we switched roles,” White said, turning to make eye contact with her mother. “In a way, Mom, I became the parent.”

It was not an easy transition, even for a Nampa city councilwoman who makes big decisions all the time.“I had to look at her and say, OK, now I’m gonna make the decisions. This is what we’re gonna do,” White explained. “It was followed by the difficulty of seeing her lose (her) independence. She would no longer be living alone, but in a skilled nursing facility.”

Autumn struggled watching her once strong and independent grandmother who needed care. Her children, Lexi, 6, and Kaiden, 8, were initially apprehensive about visiting their great-grandma at the nursing home.

“It was (difficult), but it has gotten easier. My kids were kind of timid to come in here ... They’d see some of the residents and it’s intimidating for them,” she said. “Now they run right down to the room, looking for ‘candy grandma.’”

Scaggs, the self-pronounced “bingo queen” of Trinity, always has a candy stash waiting for when Lexi and Kaiden come to visit and watch the rabbits that live in the courtyard outside her window.

‘There was an anger’

Scaggs admitted her trepidation about long-term care, which was backed up by White’s affirmation that “there was an anger” during the early days of her admission.“You were a little mad about not having your own kitchen,” White said, looking in her mother’s eyes. “I’m still kind of mad,” Scaggs answered jokingly. “I want my own coffee pot.”

Also among Scaggs’ early anxieties were that she had to wait for things that she formerly could do for herself immediately.“I don’t tell people ‘after awhile.’ (I) want it done now,” she said.But now she is happier with her surroundings.

She’s made friends, developed what her family calls a very active social life and has most everything she needs all in the same building.

“I think it’s the best place, the best thing that happened for myself. I have all that I need, everything’s right here. And all these people, we’re all alike. We all have everything we need,” Scaggs said. “It, it’s home. That’s what I tell them, ‘it’s your home.’”

Family transitions

While many families facing the move to nursing-level care confront an array of difficulties, Scaggs and her family knew they had chosen the right facility.“It was just seamless to make the transfer ... The process of getting her in here was very comfortable and non-invasive,” White said. She added that the same applied to the state agencies handling her mom’s health care coverage, who’ve been “just wonderful to work with.”

“I know she’s getting three balanced nutritious meals. I know she’s getting all her meds, the proper dose, at the right time. I know she’s not alone.”

Autumn’s concerns melted when she saw the professional care her grandmother was getting.“It’s almost worry free. You don’t worry about anything having her live here because you know her needs are taken care of,” she said.

The same comforts that helped the members of the family through the change are the same things that Donna feels are the benefits of her new caregivers.“You’re not alone,” she said. “There are people all around you.”

Looking to the future

Seeing Scaggs happy has made it infinitely easier for her daughter and granddaughter to take the future day-by-day in terms of her health.Pam visits frequently. Lexi and Kaiden run through the doors of Trinity ahead of Autumn now, talking to the residents and staff like they’re new-found playmates.

The home holds family holidays and summer cookouts, even welcoming Kaiden’s second grade class in to perform for residents earlier this year.

“It’s so bright, and the staff, the staff are wonderful,” Pam said looking to her mom. “They have a sense of humor. They play with you almost.”

When asked about how she plans to spend the future, Donna looked at her family with a contented look in her eyes and responded nonchalantly “I have no plans. (I’ll) just stay here ... If I have to be in a confined place, confined living or whatever you want to call it, I’m glad I’m here.”

Reflecting on her own experience, Scaggs offered comfort to people that she thought might be scared or hesitant about nursing homes and skilled nursing care.“Don’t be afraid of it,” she said. “It’s not bad.”

Ex-con homes show success for some

Jon Meyer
http://us.f571.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=jmeyer@idahopress.com
Monday, November 12th, 2007

NAMPA— Jeff Enger had been in and out of the Idaho prison system for years — reoffending several times on drug charges — before he found the Omaha HOME, a former Caldwell transitional home for ex-inmates.

Now he has been clean for years and is working as a press operator and maintenance technician for the Idaho Press-Tribune.

At first the Omaha HOME, which stands for Healthy Outcome Mentoring Environment, was just another way to escape the confines of prison, Enger said, but it ended up that organizers Chris and Arlene Yamamoto changed his life for the better.

“They told (Chris) that I was just going to do the same things over again. He had a different vision,” Enger said. “My focus was to get through that gate ... it was my ticket out.”

The Yamamotos’ approach to helping the residents of the three-house, 16-bed program had an impact on Enger that spurred the desire for a change in his life.

“The change certainly has to come from within. Originally it was my contempt for the system,” Enger said. “A support system like the Yamamotos set up was instrumental, but in the end it was a personal decision.”

The issue of transitional homes for former inmates has made headlines in Canyon County because of their location. Operators say the programs work best in typical residential areas, but residents who live nearby object having them set up in single-family neighborhoods with children and schools.

But even opponents to specific homes agree that there is a need for this type of alternative for inmates transitioning back into regular society.

The focus of the Omaha HOME philosophy was rooted in emphasizing work, life skills and key points that former inmates need to re-enter society, Chris Yamamoto said.

“We really emphasized work and the work ethic. That’s difficult for some of these guys, especially the ones who’ve been incarcerated a long time. They’ve forgotten how to work,” Yamamoto said. “We tried to teach them fundamental things about being in society ... I think that was part of what made us successful, though it’s very difficult, was to try to roll as many things in to make these guys upstanding citizens.”

The Yamamotos operated Omaha HOME on Canyon Hill from August of 2006 to mid-2007 and brought a total of 24 people into the program. Five individuals violated their parole during that time, but Yamamoto said that they also had several success stories, including Jeff, whose parole ends in May.

“I’m really proud of Jeff,” Chris Yamamoto said. “In fact I consider him a friend of mine.”



Homes crucial for some inmates

Two lost leases and other unavoidable commitments forced the Omaha HOME to close.

Now that the home is closed, Yamamoto says it’s clear that such services are needed to help transitioning offenders avoid habits that have gotten them into trouble in the past.

“No. 1, these people have to go somewhere when they’re getting out of incarceration. They need somewhere to go,” Yamamoto said. “What happens is they usually end up going to the family and friends who helped them get in trouble in the first place.”

Instead of putting the men at the Omaha HOME in a position to reoffend, Yamamoto took the Idaho Department of Correction referrals and helped them get back on their feet. The program operated under Christian principles and did not accept sex offenders or violent offenders. Most of the residents, Yamamoto said, weren’t actually “bad people.”

“They made a few bad decisions, but they weren’t bad people,” he said.

Without transition houses, released inmates often have trouble getting back on their feet and end up doing things that land them back in prison. That is why the homes are needed, Enger and Yamamoto agreed, because simply building more prisons isn’t a practical solution.

“I came at this from a capitalistic approach,” Yamamoto said. “I’d rather spend money to help these people out then to pay to warehouse them in a prison.”

That’s exactly what he and his wife did too, until they couldn’t afford to hire the help they needed to keep the house running.

“From a taxpayer’s standpoint,” Enger said, “wouldn’t it be better for these people to support themselves?”



Treasure Valley homes improve lives

In recent weeks, a growing public outcry has developed to fight the placement of halfway houses in family neighborhoods.

However, Yamamoto said he is “really happy to see what is going on with transitional housing,” and added that if the homes are structured right with the right management, they “can be very successful.”

While many residents may fear having a program like the Omaha HOME put in their neighborhood, Yamamoto used the environment to improve the lives of his residents, teaching them to be good neighbors. The group would clean up after storms, rake leaves and do other odd jobs to help people in their surrounding community.

“(The) home was a very structured situation,” Yamamoto said. “What people don’t realize is there is a big difference between the people who are in a structured environment and those who are roaming free.”

As for Jeff, he’s been on his own since January and has no plans to return to the Mini-Cassia Criminal Justice Center that he left behind. He was one of the first people hand-picked for the Omaha HOME project and now is the last one living in one of the Yamamotos’ rental properties. The house he is renting was used to help residents after the Yamamotos deemed they were ready to leave the transitional home.

“I’m not different than anybody else,” Enger said. “I’ve got the same goals, (a) house, white-picket fence. Just because I’m a convicted felon doesn’t make it any different.”

Yamamoto is proud of his friend and has high hopes for his future, calling him a good human being and hard worker.

“That’s an absolute success story,” Yamamoto said. “He’s going to be just fine.”

Ex-con blog draws mixed feelings

COMMUNITY: Internet forum addresses public concerns, seeks fair solutions

By Jon Meyer
jmeyer@idahopress.com

BOISE— The topic of transitional home placement around the Treasure Valley entered the blogosphere Nov. 12, encouraging “creative solutions” from anyone with an Internet connection.

And a week after its appearance, the Blogger.com discussion was already rife with diverse opinions and ideas from concerned citizens and area legislators.

Before the conception of the “Idaho Housing for Released Prisoners” blog by Ray Tussing, the main forum for halfway house debate took the form of public meetings held in Nampa and Boise.

These meetings between concerned neighbors and house founders, like New Hope Community Health, protested placement of the homes in family neighborhoods, specifically without notifying residents.

New Hope has had issues raised by neighbors in the past about its practices of placing the facilities in neighborhoods without telling current residents. A similar organization, Supportive Housing and Innovative Partnerships, Inc., still maintains the “stealth” approach, said founder end Executive Director Melanie Curtis. However, New Hope changed its policy last week in favor of more transparency.

The problem with these forums and the media coverage that ensued, Tussing said, was the lack of reliable information that was easy to access for the public.

“These organizations and the IDOC need to work together with the community to come up with a fair and equitable solution,” Tussing said. “It might be tough, it might be hard, but I think it is possible to get people working together and focused on the problem.

New Hope changes policy

In an announcement on his blog last week, New Hope co-founder Dennis Mansfield announced a change in the company’s policy. He said that in the future they will notify appropriate city officials before the opening of a new halfway house, and encourage the city officials to notify affected neighborhood associations.

Ex-con crimes vary

At one New Hope home in Nampa on Stonehedge Drive, the former inmates living there have records that include a variety of crimes, including convictions for attempted grand theft/receiving stolen property; aggravated battery/property injury; robbery; and grand theft.
At another New Hope home, on Aster Place in Boise, convictions include four cases of controlled substance possession; two cases of burglary; and a case of possession of forged instruments/ bank notes.

SHIP opened a home for recovering substance abusers in Tussing’s neighborhood, in the Five Mile Road and Ustick area of Boise, about two years ago. Then, around June of this year, New Hope followed suit with a home of its own, Tussing said.

“What happened is when the second home came in, I got kind of concerned,” Tussing said. “You know, now you have no idea when a third one may come in, or a fourth.”

Boise mayor joins talks

When Tussing spearheaded the blog discussion, he invited several area dignitaries from around Boise and Idaho to weigh in on the issues. One of the first to respond by e-mail was Boise Mayor Dave Bieter. His response was promptly posted for public view.

Bieter wrote that because of federal protection applying to the homes, any regulatory action taken by local government “must be consistent with actions we would take regarding any singlefamily home.”

He also asked for patience from residents while the city’s legal department studied the issue, placing “the livability of our city and the safety of all its citizens” as a priority.

Home organizers sound off

Both New Hope and non-profit SHIP claim federal protection of their homes and policies by federal fair housing laws.

That is not to say that the organizers of the facilities are not willing to work for a solution with the public.

Curtis responded that she was “actually impressed” with the content of the blog and that she “liked the idea of working together to develop a creative solution.”

“I think anytime we work together on this issue is a good thing. These people need somewhere to go,” she said.

New Hope administrator Larry Durkin said he was thrilled about the new community dialogue and that “the whole idea of people sharing feelings ... with the idea of reaching new solutions is a good thing,” for everybody involved.

SHIP has provided work and housing services to willing addicts seeking recovery since August 2001. It operates nine “Clean and Sober” houses in the Boise area.

In a similar effort, New Hope utilizes 12 facilities around the Treasure Valley. The main difference is that while SHIP only accepts people with substance abuse issues, New Hope takes IDOC referrals for inmates leaving incarceration, rejecting only sex offenders and violent offenders from applying.

While Tussing raises issues with the policies surrounding the halfway house placement, he sees the need for the homes and does not seek to remove them from the community.

“I’m not the kind of person who takes an absolute stance against it,” he said. “I’m not comfortable, but I just don’t think the way it’s done is equitable.”
Find a link to the blog today at idahopress.com

Festival outdoes past years

By Jon Meyer jmeyer@idahopress.com


NAMPA — Over the past 16 years, the Canyon County Festival of Trees has raised more than $350,000 forMeals-on-Wheels programs in Nampa and Caldwell.

This year marked the most successful effort so far, with an estimated $30,000 raised through Tuesday night’s live and silent auctions combined, and more money left to be counted.

The standout of the live auction was the “Woodland Magic” tree, donated and decorated by Mountain West Bank, then bought back for $2,000 and re-auctioned for $2,200 to MVI Veterinary Supply of Meridian.

“We’re here to raise money for Meals-on-Wheels,” Nampa’s Mountain West Branch 12 Manager Angie Hagler said at Tuesday’s Gala. “We talked about it and knew we’d have people bid against us, so we figured why not (buy it back and re-auction it). We’re all here to raise money.”

Festival of Trees officials were blown away by the money raised and the sentiment shown.

“To have a tree raise over $4,000, is just amazing. We’ve never had that before,” board of directors member Melissa Howard said.

The sentiment went even deeper for some as a tree decorated by the Pfeifer family, in honor of injured soldier and relative Chad Pfeifer, was auctioned for $1,000.

Marilyn Bauman of Caldwell — with tears welling up in her eyes — said that she knew she had to bid on the tree, titled “How Can I ThankYou,”becauseherson“came back from Iraq in one piece.”

Chad Pfeifer was injured in Iraq in April and his picture stood next to the tree for the duration of the festival.

“We have a lot of admiration for the people who have gone over there,” Marilyn’s husband, Jerry Bauman, a retired physician who met Chad through the Rotary Club, said. “We wish the best for that young man.”

The Bauman’s intend to give the tree to the VA Hospital in Boise to go on display, they said.

“(The festival) just helps so many people, so many seniors,” said Mickey Sutton, who helped decorate and donate “When I Grow Up I Want to Be A Fireman.” “I’m a nurse at St. (Alphonsus Regional Medical Center) so I see people all the time who need this type of help.”

The firefighter tree, which also saw decorators of the Nampa Fire Department and local unions chip in, auctioned for $1,200.

Firefighters: An on-duty Thanksgiving

COMMUNITY: Emergency responders juggle public safety duties, time with loved ones
By Jon Meyer jmeyer@idahopress.com


NAMPA — Having to work a Thanksgiving shift didn’t phase the 19 firefighters on duty at Nampa Station 1 this year.

In fact, they threw a feast and reunion with all their families that might rival what many people see in their homes during the holidays.

“I think my kids might like Thanksgiving at the firehouse more than at home anyway,” 10-year firefighting veteran Kirk Carpenter said with a laugh.

It’s not difficult to see why. A local motorcycle group helped out by dropping off some Thanksgiving goodies. Each family brought a little something to help fill a long table with holiday fare. The firehouse has a big-screen television, soft recliners and a recreational room with more than enough stuff to keep the kids busy.

“We try to get some of the families in here each year so they can get a chance to see Mom or Dad,” Battalion Chief Larry Richardson said.

All the fun can flip with one emergency call though, sending the men and women out on a call and away from those they love.

They try not to let that dampen their spirits, though.

“In some ways it’s nice, but it’s hard when he gets a call in the middle of dinner,” Kirk’s wife, Nicole Carpenter said. “(I) pretty much know he’s going to be gone at some time.

“But hey, I don’t have to clean or cook,” she joked.

The families, like the Carpenters and their five children, get accustomed to the fact that the fire station keeps a full staff every day, even holidays, Richardson said.

“They’re all used to it. They know our calendars. If that’s when you’re scheduled to work, you work,” Richardson said. “Families learn to expect it.”

Before they started eating, some of the crews had already been out on some calls for car accidents and a fire alarm Thanksgiving morning, a quick reminder of the fact that they’re still on duty.

“Sometimes we get a grease fire from someone’s deep-fried turkey ... Sometimes we get depression-related calls. They stretch from about now to Christmas,” Richardson said. “Suicide attempts, or an elderly person will forget to take their (medication), just get depressed and forget.”

The holidays aren’t the only times families feel the crunch of a firefighter’s demanding schedule. Nick Adams was enjoying a day of watching football at the station while his family had Thanksgiving dinner elsewhere, making it tough, but not anything out of the ordinary.

“I’ve got used to it — birthdays, holidays working. You’ll be off the day before or the day after, so it doesn’t interfere too much, Adams said. “I was a firefighter when I had kids, so this is all they know. They love these things. It’s kind of reunion-like for them as well ... We try to relax.”

Whether it’s Thanksgiving or Christmas, a firefighter’s schedule is demanding and taxing on family life, which is part of the reason that gatherings on the holidays are something they try to do on a regular basis, Chief Richardson said.

“We spend a lot of days away from home; one third of our life is here,” Richardson said. “It is hard on family life. Anything that happens at home, your wife needs help at home ... It’s tough.”

80-year-old mayor takes seat in Homedale

By Jon Meyer
jmeyer@idahopress.com

HOMEDALE— When Harold S. Wilson takes the Homedale mayoral seat in January, he will also have another cause for celebration: His 81st birthday is the same month.

Wilson is a World War II veteran who has raised nine children in the Homedale area. He has no plans to seek a second term because “85 is just too old,” he said. With 44 years of his life spent in Homedale, Wilson has been a part of the community longer than one of his mayoral opponents, 37-year-old Charles Garrison, has been alive.

“If I can’t get it done in four years, I won’t run again ... I have high hopes, though,” Wilson said.

Those high hopes don’t mean huge changes to the area. Wilson’s focus will be in bringing the people who serve the community together and cleaning up the city.

“I don’t want too many changes, just clean up what we have (and) support the businesses that are there. I’m not against new business, but we shouldn’t give away land to them,” Wilson said.

“What we need is people. Our school system needs people. We need families moving here.”

Wilson’s campaigntobecome mayor began with his friends around Homedale expressing a need for change.

The incumbent, Paul Fink, is a 20-year Homedale mayor, serving from 1984-2000 and then again from 2004 until the most current election. Fink was not available for comment Monday.

“People in Homedale wanted change”, Wilson said. “A lot of my friends asked me to do it, couldn’t find a young guy so they had to pick on an old one,” Wilson said. Even one of Harold’s grandchildren was approached with the idea of running, but turned it down.

Wilson’s wife, Mary, said that after 44 years in Homedale, it was “time to give back to them ... It’s our home.”

Throughout the couple’s time in Homedale, Harold has been very active in the community. He is a veteran of the school board, volunteer fire department, chamber of commerce, Kiwanis International and Toastmasters International. Part of his reason for running for mayor was to improve the area for his 23 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

To help the town improve for the next four years, Wilson plans to bring a renewed sense of continuity to the city government. He said he’d even like to work hand-in-hand with his opponents Fink and Garrison for the betterment of the area.

“I want to work together with the (city) council, together with the Chamber of Commerce, and work together with Planning and Zoning,” he said. “ We have to pull the community together. A lot of the farmers have already offered to help.”

Mary said that the farming community is an essential part of the “very rural” town, but that people need to be drawn to the urban center as well. “They need to see this as a place to shop. We need to make the town seem more attractive,” she said.

“It’s going to take a lot of cooperation, a lot of help,” Harold added.

Some sacrifice will be involved as well. The couple joked that they’ve already lost some of their 100-year-old friends because they don’t want to associate with “politicians.”

Travel options run out for Hawaii bowl

By Jon Meyer
jmeyer@idahopress.com

TREASURE VALLEY — Local travel providers saw a rise in bookings to Hawaii, despite the peak season, after the Broncos announced Sunday their Dec. 23 face-off with East Carolina in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl.

Kevin Loveless, president of Boise’s Global Travel — which refers to itself as the official travel partner of the Broncos— said they’d been booking custom itineraries for people all day Monday. Average airline prices were hovering around $900 round-trip, with mid-range hotel accommodations lingering around $200 to $300 a night in the Waikiki area, he said.

“I don’t think there’s any unique challenge besides it’s Hawaii at Christmas. That’s always a challenge ... Peak season just means everything’s at its most expensive,” Loveless said. “There’s not a lot of group space left. We’ve been getting people there at different routes and even staying different periods of time.”

Loveless said for large groups of people, chartering planes was an option, although expensive.

Officials at Boise’s Harmon Travel agreed. They said it was so unlikely that clients could find commercial flights for the Christmas and bowl season that they had arranged for two charter packages specifically for the game— with about 300 available seats total.

Harmon Travel’s marketing director, Tammy Selee, said packages include a two-night option for $1,995 per person that includes airfare, hotel accommodations and transportation to and from the airport and to and from Aloha Stadium. A three-night package that featured the same amenities was running $2,295 a person.

The first flight leaves on Dec. 21, and the second on Dec. 22. Both options will get fans back home in time for Christmas, with return flights on Dec. 24 — but tickets are going fast.

Week of events

Selee said that tickets around game day, on Dec. 20 and 21, were nearing impossible to get due to full planes on the major airlines serving Hawaii. However, the festivities leading up to the game begin Dec. 17, with rallies, team practices, luaus and dinners running every day and night until kickoff. If people choose to move their trip a little earlier, Loveless said some commercial flights might still be available— though prices were still high.

“Airline space is there, just with different routes and different schedules,” Loveless said.

He also added that staying in Hawaii until after Christmas made prices and scheduling easier due to the annual rush. He advised anyone traveling during the holidays to arrive at least halfan-hour earlier than usual to the airport.

Online rates:

For flights to Honolulu, Hawaii, beginning on Dec. 17, Expedia.com listed United, ATA, Alaska, Northwest and Hawaiian Airlines to still have various itineraries available Sunday. US Airways was also still booking seats. Rates for flights returning both Christmas Eve and the day after the holiday were in the $600-$800 range for planes leaving Dec. 17-19. Rates for flights leaving Dec. 20 and 22 jumped to around $2,000. Flights leaving Dec. 21 were completely sold out.

Sponsor hotels:
Several Hawaii Sheraton hotels are serving as Host Hotels for the bowl and serving as headquarters for the teams, media and alumni. A list of them was obtained from the bowl’s informational Web site, where you can also find other information and buy tickets, at http:// www.sheratonhawaiibowl.com/.
Sheraton Waikiki (Conference USA)
Westin Moana Surfrider (Western Athletic Conference)
Sheraton Royal Hawaiian (ESPN, VIP)
Sheraton Princess Kaiulani (Bands, Cheerleaders and Alumni)
Sheraton Kauai Resort
Sheraton Maui in Kaanapali

Middleton family gets makeover

By Jon Meyer jmeyer@idahopress.com


MIDDLETON— It took only 106 hours to build the Stockdale family’s “Extreme Makeover” home in Middleton. But it created four months of anticipation.

Sunday, viewers got a chance to see the inside of the farmhouse-style residence built by hundreds of volunteers last summer as the ABC show was broadcast nationwide.

As the secrecy ended, the family spent the entire day at unveiling functions, including a behind-the-scenes sneak peek at a special documentary film in the morning with contractors and people who pitched in to help. It culminated with the episode in which host Ty Pennington showed Ryan and Karia Stockdale and their four children the many special features of the home.

“You’re like excited and nervous all at the same time,” Ryan Stockdale said at the showing of the “Live Large, Give Large” documentary at Meridian’s Majestic Cinemas. “You’re excited to see the community in action again, but you’re nervous to see yourself on national TV.”

MIDDLETON — The six members of the Stockdale family of Middleton spent Sunday morning at a behind-the-scenes preview of a documentary detailing the construction of their new house by “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” By the evening, they got to watch themselves on national television.

Hundreds of volunteers who assisted with the construction of the house came to the morning’s documentary screening that took up four theaters at Meridian’s Majestic Cinemas. Dozens of the 200 donors showed up, too, including building partner CBH Homes.

Ryan and Karia Stockdale offered tearful thanks to the crowd of well-wishers who constantly surrounded them inside the theater.

Though still in their 20s, Ryan and Karia have faced numerous challenges in their lives. All four of their children are under the age of 8 and have been diagnosed with eosinophilic enteritis, a white blood cell disease that prevents them from eating many normal foods— requiring them to be fed through tubes in their stomachs.

The challenges grew worse because of problems with their former small, one-story home in Middleton that aggravated the children’s illness, Ryan said. That’s changed now.

“The house is amazing,” he said of the new two-story spacious abode. “Used to be, you’d come home with the pressures from work to worries and concerns about the house. You don’t have that anymore. You can just concentrate on loving your family.”
Karia echoed his thankful remarks.

Family plans tours

The Stockdale family tentatively plans to give tours of the new “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” house on Dec. 29. Proceeds from the tours will be donated to the couple’s alma mater, Middleton High School, which sustained heavy damage in a fire earlier this year. More information will be announced as the tentative date grows nearer.
remarks.

“I can’t even put into words the gratitude we feel,” she said. “We just fall to our knees every night and are grateful that we live where we live and that when you need it, the community will rally around you.”

Even after the “Move that Bus” moment when the Stockdales first saw their new home, the assistance from the concerned community continued.

The family has received thousands of dollars in fundraising assistance. The College of Idaho has promised scholarships for all of the children as well, with Boise State University offering Ryan a scholarship as long as he’s a Bronco. R.C. Willey just announced Saturday their donation of $50,000 worth of furniture and accessories for the home.

The new two-story farmhouse features hardwood floors, spacious living areas and filtered air — important after the last house constantly made the children sick. Each of the kids’ bedrooms carries a different decoration pattern, including Star Wars, Winnie the Pooh, Abraham Lincoln and farm themes to fit each of the youngsters’ tastes.

“The kids love their new rooms, and believe it or not, every one except the 2-yearold keeps them spotless,” Karia said. “They’re so proud of (the rooms) they put everything back where it was when they got them.”

Donors thrilled with
experience

When donors, builders and volunteers come together like they did for the Extreme Makeover shows, they hope it is for a worthy and deserving cause, CBH Homes vice president Ronda Conger said. The Stockdales “more than fit the bill.”

“They’re the most wonderful, charming and deserving family,” Conger said. “This is the most amazing thing we’ve ever been a part of.”

It was an easy choice to want to help the family, CBH Homes owner and president Corey Barton said. “They’re just top notch people ... It was an honor and pleasure to help them.”
Barton, Conger and the rest of the CBH team didn’t meet the Stockdales until the “door knocking” moment, but after getting to know the family, hopes are high for their future.

“I’m very excited for what the team did. It was a great job,” Barton said. “(It) gave them a nice clean environment for the kids to grow up in.”

National spotlight shines

After seeing the episode air on television Sunday night, Ryan spoke about the awkward feeling of seeing himself on television and described the experience of seeing “the other side” of the build.

“You know for us it was like one day it just appeared,” he said. “It was great to see the other side of things and what went on.”

Now that the show is over and the house has been opened, the family will be “moving on,” Ryan said. “All that’s happened really gives you the perspective to look at everything else that’s happening in a new way.”

“It’s kind of like you can get back to business,” he said of life after “Extreme Makeover.” “You can get back to caring for the kids ... This was all so amazing, but to see the episode air and see it end, it’s like another ‘whew’ moment.”

Ex-cons in the neighborhood? Not if we can help it

Neighbors fear ex-con home

Jon Meyermailto:Meyerjmeyer@idahopress.com

Wednesday, October 17th, 2007

NAMPA— A proposed transitional home for former inmates and released sex offenders has come under scrutiny from neighboring home owners near the proposed site just outside of the Nampa city limits.

Idaho Department of Correction officials confirmed Wednesday that Dominic Gallegos has begun communications to get approval to receive former inmate referrals to a facility that he plans to open in a five-bedroom house on South Lancaster Drive.

"I know that the department has received inquiries and communications from Mr. Gallegos," IDOC spokesman Jeff Ray said. "He talked about a transitional home for men (that) would have 13 beds, as we understand it, and would accept sex offenders."

Ray explained that facilities such as the one Gallegos has brought to the department’s attention usually operate by getting on a Department of Corrections list to have individuals referred to them. The only thing that has stopped Gallegos from getting on this list so far, Ray said, has been the outcry from the community where he intends to place the home — a small dead-end road off Roosevelt Avenue, less than a half-mile from Franklin D. Roosevelt Elementary School.

"I don't like it one bit," said April Horn, a mother of four who lives across the street from the proposed home on Lancaster. "It's scary having something like that there when you have kids. There's at least five kids in this neighborhood... (We) don't need felons, rapists, child molesters living around our kids. Who wants to live around that?"

Multiple phone calls to Gallegos were not returned.

The five-bedroom residence is a single-family home, just like all of the others on the short street. The owner, Mike Hill of Clear Creek Homes LLC, acknowledged that he was aware of Gallegos' intentions when he leased the house to him but was willing to enter into the agreement because Gallegos was not doing anything illegal.

"I have properties that I have to rent out to people. If they were planning anything illegal or unlawful, that would be a problem on my property, but I wasn't aware of anything...,” Hill said. “I know it's something some people might not want in their neighborhood.”

Though the home could place several previous offenders in close proximity to a school, Hill maintained that the only problem that he sees is the possible zoning conflicts that may arise if Gallegos were to try to accommodate the number of people he proposed to corrections officials.

"I'm aware there may be a zoning problem; they're trying to see if it's legal and allowable," Hill said.

Although the home may be too close to Roosevelt Elementary for some residents’ comfort, Idaho law states that sex offenders are only in violation of the law if they “knowingly loiter” or “reside” within 500 feet of a school building or grounds. The school is farther away.

West Roosevelt Park, which features a playground and skate park frequented by younger children, is also within a half-mile radius of the home.

However, even though the home’s location may not be a legal violation, the size of the facility may be a problem with county officials.Leon Jensen, director of Canyon County Development Services, said single-family dwellings are capped at a size of eight individuals or less, according to Idaho Code. There is no restriction whether the individuals must be related, according to the code, but single-family dwellings above eight people in size are not provided for at all, Jensen added.

David Lancaster has lived at his house in the subdivision for more than 40 years. His father built most of the houses on the street. Now, with the possibility of a transition home coming within 500 feet of his front door, Lancaster found himself questioning whether he can feel safe anymore.

"Is it wrong to say I feel scared to leave my wife alone at night? I'm scared," Lancaster said. "My grandchild comes over. I don't think they can come over at night anymore, (I) won't let them."

Other than the fear that Lancaster feels for himself and those who live around the proposed site, he said he also worries how the proposed facility might affect the attractiveness of the home market in the area.

"What will my house be worth? ... I looked forward to spending more years here," Lancaster said.

Neighborhood meeting: Concerned neighbors around the site have tentatively scheduled a meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23, with Idaho Department of Corrections officials. Still subject to change, the meeting is slated to take place at Franklin D. Roosevelt Elementary.

Colin Powell back in Idaho

Colin Powell arrives in Nampa en route to Otter's Star ranch

Jon Meyerjmeyer@idahopress.com

Tuesday, October 16th, 2007

NAMPA— Colin Powell landed at the Nampa Airport Monday afternoon to meet briefly with a delegation including Gov. Butch Otter, first lady Lori Otter and members of the Korean trade sector as the first Korea-Pacific U.S. Joint Economic Conference to be held in Idaho kicks off.

The former secretary of state's visit was short-lived as he was only expected to spend several hours in the Treasure Valley and was to fly into Seoul, Korea today. He arrived in Nampa under an invitation by his friend Jin Roy Ryu, Chairman and CEO of the Poongsan Corporation — a Korean nonferrous metal conglomerate — and was expected to give a short speech to the members of the conference before a meal at Otter's Star ranch.

Powell chose not to meet with media before leaving the airport.

"With all the warmth Colin Powell has felt from Korea, we're glad to have him here," Otter said in a short interview before Powell arrived. "General Powell is the American dream, being born in the Bronx in not exactly the best of conditions ... working his way through four administrations ... we have respect for him."

Otter expressed his hopes for the conference to increase the relations between Idaho and Korea, already the state's fifth largest international trade partner. "It's great, hopefully the next couple days will make it even better," he said.

The fifth annual trade conference comes in close proximity to the governor's planned 11-day trade mission to China, slated to begin Oct. 27. The trade between China and Idaho is already a multi-billion dollar industry that Otter "hopes to increase substantially.""

We're having a very international month. The governor is very pro-trade and looks forward to these types of events," said Bibiana Nertney, communications director for the Idaho Department of Commerce, which will also be represented at the conference.

Hee-Beom Lee, chairman and CEO of the Korea International Trade Association, said that he looked forward to the opportunities that this year's conference would present for the two countries to expand beyond the agricultural business they share and build on their relations in the technology and energy industries."I think this conference will grow our relationship," Lee said. "Idaho is transforming from potato chip to computer chip and we hope to grow the relationship in biotechnology, renewable energy (and) agriculture."

In addition to the chance for Idaho to bring new and diverse technologies to Korea, Powell's associate Jin Roy Ryu commented on the possibilities to decrease the price of existing products in Korea that are much cheaper to import from the U.S.

Ski patrollers no 'dummies'

Ski patrollers receive training

Jon Meyermailto:Meyerjmeyer@idahopress.com

Monday, October 1st, 2007

MERIDIAN— They may not be human, but after seeing the training simulation dummies that Bogus Basin ski patrollers worked with Sunday in Meridian speak, bleed, vomit and cough, many people might be hard-pressed to tell the difference.

Although the patrollers’ annual recertification didn’t involve all of the ultra-realistic functions that the dummies, called High Fidelity Human Patient Simulators, are capable of, the opportunity to work with the $40,000 trainers, on loan from Idaho State University’s campus Boise, gave them a new perspective on their jobs.

“It presents them with a physiologically realistic patient and lets them work through things you can’t do with a healthy volunteer,” Joe Crutcher, a trainer during the simulation and the director of clinical and critical care education for ISU, said. “It shows them these unique situations in a safe environment where they can make mistakes and learn from them.”

The patient simulators were only one part of the annual Outdoor Emergency Care recertification modules, which provides patrollers the opportunity to brush up on procedures that may have become hazy during the off-season.

With the ability to exhibit pulses, blood pressure, respiration rates and heart and bowel sounds, the dummies let the participants practice with equipment that might not be able to be used on a healthy subject, David Pederson, an assistant professor at ISU and lab director for the human patient simulation laboratories, said.

“Some of them may not have touched the equipment since last year and gotten a little rusty,” Pederson, who also assisted in the presentation, said. “This way they’re able to brush up again and ask questions without the urgency of an emergency situation.”

More than 120 of the resort’s 203 patrollers participated in the training Sunday. Others attended a similar session held two weeks ago. The events are similar to paramedic training, the patrol’s first aid chair Scott Putnam said, differing only in the fact that the patrollers’ victim treatment takes place in the woods.

“We have to be able to carry everything we need and, like most first responders, package them up and stabilize them to get them to someone that can help them further,” Putnam said.

The sessions have also provided a forum for the patrollers to polish skills that may come in handy during the Special Olympic events scheduled to take place at Bogus and other area resorts over the next two years.

The Special Olympic Invitational Games are coming to the area in 2008, with about 8 different countries attending; in 2009 the Special Olympic World Games will come to Idaho, bringing as many up to 12,000 additional competitors, coaches, supporters and spectators to local resorts, said Charles Butrick, the Special Olympic World Game coordinator for the Bogus Basin ski patrol.

“Because of the diversity, we wanted to spend the next couple years focusing on the special challenges that will come with these events,” Butrick said.

Parading for a cause

Seniors parade for Meals-on-Wheels

Jon Meyerjmeyer@idahopress.com

Saturday, September 29th, 2007

HOMEDALE — Commuters between Wilder and Homedale were treated to an eye-catching spectacle Saturday morning as a wheelchair-pushing man sporting a toga and flowing white beard was joined by a parade of livestock,

Marines, classic cars and a police escort in a five-mile trek for charity.Bob Hulse, 67, a disabled veteran and the Karcher Mall Santa Claus of the past two decades, was joined in his endeavor for the Meals-on-Wheels program by numerous spectators and supporters as he pushed fellow veteran Jim Duncan, 84, in his wheelchair from Mitchell’s Wilder Market to the Homedale Senior Center.

How to help: Anyone interested in making further donations to the Meals on Wheels program at the Homedale Senior Center can mail them to PO Box 848, Homedale, ID 83628.

The fundraiser started as a friendly stunt organized through some harmless banter one day at the senior center, Hulse said.“Well I just opened my mouth and said if someone puts $100 on the table for Meals on Wheels I’ll push Jim from Wilder Market to Homedale. Sure enough someone had $100,” Hulse said. “Then I opened it again and said for $25 more I’d do it in a dress; well they had it but some of the seniors thought the dress was a little much so I decided on a toga and red longhandle underwear.”

Hulse added that soon it had turned into a growing parade with locals pledging to join in, along with Ms. Idaho Senior America 2006 Jane Thiel and an ever expanding flow of donations. There was a Marine in full dress uniform for the Toys for Tots program, walking beside Hulse and Duncan the entire way.

“We did it a lot faster than I thought, four-and-a-half miles an hour, and we raised a little over $700 already with more coming in,” Hulse said. “There’s talk about making it an annual thing.”

That money will go a long way to benefit the Meals-on-Wheels program, which costs, on average, $3 per tray, said Homedale Senior Center coordinator Shirley McAbee.“Some of the people in Meals-on-Wheels can’t afford to pay; this will help pay for gas and keep the orders up,” McAbee said.

When Hulse walked into the senior center around 11 a.m. he asked McAbee if she had thought he would make it.

“I told him I thought he was stubborn enough that he’d do it if he set his mind to it, McAbee said with a laugh. “He let me know that next time he opened his big mouth to tell him to keep it shut,” she added jokingly.

Scouts fight litter

Scout combats litterbugging
Jon Meyerjmeyer@idahopress.com
Saturday, September 29th, 2007
MARSING— In the foothills south of Marsing, miles from anything resembling a major road and in an effort many will never be able to see to appreciate, 27 volunteers of all ages came together Saturday to help a friend reach a goal. They also came to set an example and affect change regarding a growing and disturbing trend.

It was the joint effort of a young Scout, Landon Watts, 15, beginning his Eagle Scout project, and local environmental groups that drew parents, young children and teens to a deserted field littered with rusty cans, broken bottles and the occasional rotted barrel.

“We’re after illegal dumping, litter and irresponsible off-road use; it’s really a big problem,” Fred Christensen, one of the corroborators behind Operation TRASH, said. “TRASH is for Teach Responsibility And Save our Heritage. Since last December our major emphasis has been on education and organizing cleanups.”

Operation TRASH, a local effort to clean up parts of the state, teamed with the Bureau of Land Management to help organize the clean-up effort.

It was all a part of Clean-up America, a national campaign put forth by the Department of the Interior to stop this kind of abusive behavior around the country, M.J. Byrne, spokesperson for Boise district of the BLM, said.“Lots of areas hold one big area clean-up weekend for the campaign, but we decided to keep it going year-round. This is our second one,” Byrne said. “Our goal is to put the message in people’s heads that there’s lots of trash out there.”

However, even with the joint efforts of Operation TRASH and the BLM, Saturday’s clean-up wouldn’t have become a reality without the efforts of Landon Watts. A Scout since age 11 from Star, Watts’ motivation to achieve the organization’s highest rank possible brought many of the people out to pick up rusty and decrepit waste on their weekend.Watts recruited the more than two-dozen volunteers from his local church and Scouting group to help him work towards a good cause and contribute to the 80 hours of service required for his Eagle Scout project.

“The project is focused in leadership. That’s why you become an Eagle Scout,” Watts said. “I knew I wanted to do something with the outdoors, and the BSA (Boy Scouts of America) led me to the BLM. It feels good, positive to do something.”

Watts hasn’t yet decided if he’ll take part in any future clean-ups.Operation TRASH, however, plans to educate even more young people around Idaho with an $11,000 grant from the BLM that they will use to distribute educational material about littering and dumping to schools around the state, Christensen said.

“We want to get the message out that it’s not cool to dump on your local lands, cause that’s what they are — your local lands,” Byrne said of the educational effort.

Tailgating: The new way!

Fans take tailgating to next level on sunny fall afternoon

Jon Meyer jmeyer@idahopress.com

Updated 36 minutes ago

BOISE — As the players don their pads, cleats and uniforms, another kind of preparation is going on in the parking lot of Bronco Stadium before each Boise State University home game. Hours before kickoff, grills are lit, face paint is applied and the sea of orange and blue begins to grow.

Tailgating has become a sport of its own for many of the alumni, students and supporters who flood the pavement, surrounding parks and sidewalks in truck beds, campers and lawn chairs to get pumped up for the Broncos to take the field. And the fact that it’s a Sunday makes no difference.

Two hours before the game begins, it becomes impossible to park within three blocks of the stadium — and anyone brave enough to tread the sidewalks and breezeways through campus wearing anything but blue and orange is sure to draw a judgmental eye.In the core of the celebration, the stadium parking lot, hot dogs and hamburgers, not to mention chicken in many forms, has become so commonplace that most fans have developed new ways to enjoy their pre-game festivities.

Jason Ames and the growing group surrounding his vehicle were enjoying the environment cast by a television hooked to a portable satellite dish in the back of a pickup. In the other endless rows of tailgaters, people had even larger plasma sets and surround-sound speakers, completing a home theater-esque experience.“We got a pretty good setup, try to make it to most of them,” Ames said, waiting to cheer the Broncos to a victory over New Mexico State. “I expect they’ll run the table until they get to Hawaii, that’ll be a tough game.”

Many of the alumni make it out to every game at home and follow the team for big games on the road when it is possible, all in the hope of an elusive big bowl game in the team’s future.

“I think they can win it out. ... We’re looking for the real bowl game,” BSU alumnus Jerry Hitesman said. “We’ve been out here for every single game and it’s been excellent.”

The optimism ran high for the five-time defending Western Athletic Conference Champions going into the New Mexico game. A loss this season coming in a non-league game to the University of Washington Huskies has left some Broncos fans bitter, but still full of hope.

“It’s better that they lost to someone who was doing well,” alumnus Tracy Neptune said with a flurry of blue and orange dreadlocks swinging from her head, whipping her husband, Chad Neptune, in the face. “It’s been an awesome season so far, we’re loving it, we always do.”

As the time for the first drive inched closer, the party of fans didn’t begin to disperse, but relocated into the long line to enter Bronco Stadium and make their way to their seats. The sea of blue and orange temporarily became a river, pouring toward the cherished blue turf.

Strongmen and women.

Weightlifters gather at event to remember fallen competitor

Jon Meyerjmeyer@idahopress.com

Saturday, October 6th, 2007

NAMPA — Local men and women lifted hearts and spirits — not to mention a whole lot of iron — during what could have become a somber Saturday afternoon during a tribute competition in memory of fallen Northwest Strongman legend Jesse Marunde.

Emotions ran high, almost equaling the energy in the air. Weight plates clanged together. Cars were hoisted off the ground. Money rolled in. It was a fitting fundraiser for the world-class level Strongman, who died suddenly in July from complications related to a defective heart valve.

“He’d really have liked this,” Marunde’s wife, Callie Marunde, said while holding the pairs’ daughter Jessica Joy, now almost four moths old. “He loved these things, this was our life.”

Callie Marunde is a competitor on par with her husband, a two-time national lightweight women’s champion and national record-holder in Strongman events. Before his death, Jesse was the youngest American to ever qualify for the World’s Strongest Man contest, competing in 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2005 in the nationally-televised event.

“Jesse was an amazing guy. Lots of the people in the valley were his friends and he trained with a lot of the guys here,” Jay Hagadorn, owner of Nampa’s Genesis Fitness and the promoter of the event, said. “We’d love to send his wife and family home with a good blessing.”

Jesse had originally planned to organize the North American Strongman Society sanctioned event with Hagadorn as the first in the Nampa area. When he died from a genetic heart defect, the promotion developed a second purpose and evolved into something more, a fundraiser for the family he left behind.Amateur and professional Strongman competitors alike turned out from all over the country to compete in the men’s heavyweight and lightweight, women’s open and teen divisions at the Nampa event.

Several of Marunde’s training partners came all the way from the Sequim and Port Angeles area of western Washington where he hailed from to show their support and contribute to helping the family.In addition to the entry fees raised by the competitors, the eye-catching events such as the car squat, in which competitors lifted the rear end of a KIA Rio — and sometimes chose to add even more weight — drew many into the crowd to participate in the raffle and silent auction as well.

All of the proceeds went to benefit the Marunde family.“He’d think all of this was great; (he) told us to all go out and smash it out,” Marshall White, one of Marunde’s friends and former partners said after deadlifting a whopping 900 pounds 18 inches off a stand. “The dedication to him brought a lot of us out.”

Several world records were nearly broken in the Genesis parking lot Saturday as weight belts strained during the three other events: the maximum atlas stone lift, the maximum 12-inch overhead log press and the farmer’s walk for maximum distance.

The weights involved in the car squat and farmer’s walk — in which lifters carry an I-beam loaded with weights in each hand as far as they can before letting them drop — were so extreme that the apparatus had to be designed by Nampa’s Double R Trailer company. It took three to four people to lift the squat bar back to the starting position after each competitor was finished.

In the end though, for the crowd, Saturday’s event wasn’t just about the personal records or the national qualifying, it was about remembering a fellow competitor who had touched many lives.

“Jesse was a super nice guy. He always came to the competitions to root us on,” said Amy Wattles, 34, a competitor of Callie Marunde’s in the women’s open class. “I can’t imagine a better day.”

Wine Harvest

Caldwell event celebrates harvest

Jon Meyermailto:Meyerjmeyer@idahopress.com

Saturday, October 6th, 2007

CALDWELL — The prime harvest season for Treasure Valley vintners has arrived and with it came the annual sharing of food and drink, gifts, music and fun at Albertson College of Idaho.

Booths representing the many local wineries, distilleries and shops that cater to the wine season filled the Morrison Quadrangle for the seventh year of Taste of the Harvest.

Music wafted from the stage for the better part of the day as residents from all over the valley came to sample, indulge and make a few purchases on the brisk early-autumn afternoon.

“It just gets better every year, the air is crisp ... it’s a great way to celebrate the beginning of fall,” Lisa Derry, a professor in Albertson’s music department, said. The diversity of the people and the music is great. It’s so nice to see the college celebrate its relationship with the community; things weren’t always this way.”

A few first-time visitors couldn’t leave without taking a few souvenirs home with them. Thea Cossairt of Caldwell spent more than three hours at the festival meeting friends and enjoying the variety of live music, not to mention diverse flavors available at the tasting booths.

“It’s great to see the different wineries in the area and sample their wares,” Cossairt said. “I ended up buying a few things too.”

While allowing area communities to come together during the peak grape-harvest season to see what the wineries have to offer, the Taste of the Harvest presented an opportunity for Albertson College students to socialize with their teachers and administrators outside of the classroom.“I love to see the teachers come out; the atmosphere and the feeling of the whole thing too,” Albertson senior Madeline Martello said. “It brings all of the teachers and students out. You get a lot of alumni, too; I come every year.”

Weather

First day of season ushers in dramatic weather

Jon Meyerjmeyer@idahopress.com

Monday, September 24th, 2007

The first day of fall kicked off the season with a bang as a storm system dumped heavy rain across the region and brought chilly overnight temperatures.Rain fell in the valley much of the early morning hours Sunday, with Caldwell’s official station recording more than an inch of rainfall as of 6 a.m. Temperatures were expected to dip near 40 overnight, and tonight could be even cooler with lows in the upper 30s. Patchy frost is possible.

The Owyhee and Boise mountains also received heavy rain, prompting the National Weather Service to issue flood advisories. However, there were no reports of damage.

TREASURE VALLEY — Heavy rainfall prompted a warning for Boise County early Sunday morning because of fears that fire-scarred mountainsides could be susceptible to flash flooding and mudslides.The decision by the National Weather Service to enact the warning at 2:08 a.m. was prompted by the concern that storms in areas affected by recent wildfires would make flooding a real possibility.“The burned surfaces are more water repellent (rather) than soaking it up,” Joel Tannenholz, a meteorologist for the Weather Service in Boise, said. “We were worried that the ground was unstable, but there have been no reports of debris flow or flooding yet.”

Tannenholz said the heaviest levels of rain that were concentrated further to the south than expected. The system moved east of the area later Sunday morning and the warning was withdrawn at 4:15 a.m., he said.

Even though Deadwood Summit, which rises to 6,658 feet near one of the burn areas, received 1.3 inches of rain in 24 hours, it was spared from flash flooding. Yellow Pine, in Valley County, also near several wildfire areas, saw the highest rainfall figures, reporting about 2 inches in 24 hours.

A hazardous weather outlook remained in place along with a flash flood watch until noon Sunday. But forecasters say no additional hazardous weather is predicted for the rest of the week.

Marching Bands

Marching toward victory

Jon Meyer
jmeyer@idahopress.com

Sunday, October 14th, 2007
Nampa High School musicians marched toward victory as the overall winner of the Treasure Valley Festival of Bands Saturday, taking home the big trophy as well as leaving as 5A large band champions.

The festival was as big as ever even though a few annual competitors were not present. Hundreds of parents, fans and spectators showed up for the all-day event at Vallivue High School, concluded by a large exhibition display by the hosting Vallivue band.

While Nampa took sweepstakes honors, Caldwell placed second in the 5A large category. Borah High School took home the top 5A small band honors against three fiercely competing teams.

In the largest field, Fruitland beat out four competitors to take the 4A category. Weiser High School received the 3A title, besting two competitors.

CALDWELL— For years the Treasure Valley Festival of Bands has been a staple in local marching competition, drawing groups large and small that might not otherwise get to compete against each another.

The event, which annually draws anywhere from 12 to 18 bands and hundreds of spectators, started as a small Snake River Valley Conference competition, but changed form as teams left that conference over time, Vallivue band director Curt Griffiths said. Now it functions as a warm-up for some bands for the Idaho District III Marching Band competition.

This year’s District III contest will be Saturday at Bronco

Stadium.

“It really gives opportunities,” he said. “Even to bands that don’t get the chance to go to the District III (contest).”

Fourteen bands came to Vallivue to compete this year, slightly down from what many spectators have come to know because of competitions elsewhere that drew some teams away. That fact didn’t detract what Griffiths called “a perfect day for a marching band competition.”

Among local bands placing at the competition, Nampa and Caldwell took first and second overall, respectively, in the 5A large band competition. Boise High School placed third in 5A small band marching and Meridian High School came in fourth. Fruitland, Skyview and Kuna high schools went one, two and three in the 4A rankings.

In the auxiliary competition, Nampa took first and Caldwell second in 5A large. Meridian took first in 5A small and Boise took home fourth. In 4A Kuna won, followed by Fruitland and Middleton, with Skyview in fourth.

In the percussion competition, Nampa and Caldwell placed first and second respectively in their division. Meridian took second behind Capital in 5A small. Skyview won in 4A, with Fruitland coming in second.

At the end of the competition, Vallivue High School, which as the hosting team does not compete for honors, put on an exhibition performance for the crowd, showing the pride that can come with being part of a marching band.

The Blog

Hello everyone,

Well I decided it may be a good idea to start posting all of my articles on a blog so that everyone can see them and save me the money of buying 20 copies of every week's newspaper.

I've been writing a lot lately, some of it good, some bad, but I will only post the truly good and groundbreaking articles here. I will admit they've been letting me get in on some of the real controversial stories lately, so...

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Jon